Board wants details on school cuts

After lengthy discussion, Onaway Superintendent of Schools Rod Fullerton was asked by board of education members Tuesday to gather more information on the ramifications of eliminating two positions in an effort to cut costs.

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By MARY BARKERmbarker@cheboygantribune.com

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

By MARY BARKERmbarker@cheboygantribune.com

Posted Jul. 11, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By MARY BARKERmbarker@cheboygantribune.com

Posted Jul. 11, 2013 at 12:01 AM

ONAWAY

After lengthy discussion, Onaway Superintendent of Schools Rod Fullerton was asked by board of education members Tuesday to gather more information on the ramifications of eliminating two positions in an effort to cut costs.

Fullerton presented some cost-related figures on the high school guidance counselor, a part-time position and the librarian, a full-time position, which also has other duties including running a computer lab and overseeing in-school suspensions.

Board president Sharon Lyon said she needed to know more about how the reduction of those positions would impact students and staff before making a decision.

She asked what changes in programming and scheduling would have to be made.

Fullerton said he would report back within the next few weeks. Lyon said the board would like to give 30-days notice before the start of the school year if it decides to cut the jobs.

In other business, the board heard a detailed presentation from Chris Nelson, director of technology in the Harbor Springs school district, about establishing a technology plan that would serve the district’s needs both from the standpoint of engaging higher-quality instructional methods and preparing students for their years after high school. Nelson is responsible for the Harbor Spring district’s technology program, which is a 10-year initiative.

Lyon said the Onaway district lacks some of the revenue assets in the Harbor Springs district, through the tax base, but added resources are available to help with Onaway’s ongoing technology efforts through the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District.

Lyon recommended the district begin to formalize its technology program by establishing a committee to study what is in place and where the district wants to be in the future.